Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Four Derech Etz Chaim players, Kobi Schwartzbaum, Pinchas Shwartzbaum, Sam Ash and Jeffrey Mally have been nominated on the ballot for the first AFI All Star game to be held this Motzei Shabbat prior to the Holyland Bowl. Please use the link http://www.allstarisrael.com/footballPoll.html to vote for the DEC players!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Derech Etz Chaim’s season came to an end last night with a devastating loss to Lobo’s in the Semi Final round of the Holyland Bowl playoffs 45 - 14. From the very beginning of the game it was clear that this was not DEC’s night when Jeffrey Mally dropped an interception and Lobos went on to score in their first possession. Lobo’s clearly studied DEC over the season and came out on fire with QB Weider hitting all his receiver’s and DEC’s usually invincible defense had no answer. The defensive line penetrated and put pressure the entire night but Weider kept finding his receivers. On the offensive end the DEC QB Gilad Silverman who had thrown all of two interceptions the entire season kept finding the Lobos CB’s for a night of five interceptions two in the end zone killing potential DEC touchdown drives. Though Kobi Shwartzbaum made some incredible catches it was not nearly enough as potential interceptions on the DEC side by Yochi Naiditch tipped into the hands of Lobos players for 2 TD’s.It was the first loss for DEC in a full length game in two years, many players on the team had never experienced a loss and it ended a brilliant streak for Derech Etz Chaim that began last year through the Championship and all the way to this years semi final game.With returning students and a good new class coming in DEC looks to continue to be one of the more dominant teams next season as well.There is not much in terms of highlights but we hope to post once or twice more before shutting down the blog until next season. So check back.

Sunday, February 07, 2010

Derech Etz Chaim defeated Klein Management (Medrash Shmuel)25- 24 in a nail biter that was not over until the last extra point attempt. Derech Etz Chaim now advances to the Semi Finals where they will face Lobos, a rematch with the opponent they defeated in last years Championship game.The game started badly for DEC going four and out. Klein came right back and on their first play threw long for a touchdown into blown coverage. Derech Etz Chaim marched down field penetrating the red zone but on four downs could not put it into the end zone turning the ball back over Klein who quickly scored bringing the score to DEC 0 Klein 12. The DEC defense came alive holding Klein but the offense could not generate points once again getting into the red zone before throwing an interception on the 1 yard line. But Klein could not capitalize and elected to go for it on 4rth when their receiver dropped the pass giving DEC the ball deep in Klein territory with less then a minute left in the half.Gilad threw to Avi to bring the ball into the red zone. Another pass to Sam to cut the distance and finally a touchdown pass to Sam Ash to put DEC on the board as the half came to a close. DEC 6 Klein 12The second half Klein received and was held but was held by the DEC defense and was forced to punt.DEC took over. Gilad ran to the Klein 40. A pass to Pinchas, one to Kobi and a TD pass to Sam brought the score to DEC 12 Klein 12.On Klein's first play QB Yissy Ben Zaken threw an interception to Jeff Mally who ran it back to the 1 yard line. Touchdown pass to Josh Weisel.The Extra point to Sam Ash proved later to be the game winner. DEC 19 - Klein 12Klein the put together a scoring drive on passes to Kleiner and Koppelman no extra point DEC 19 - Klein 18DEC began advancing up the field and on 4rth and short seemed to get the first down but a penalty of an extra man on the field called the play back and DEC was forced to punt.Klein could not capitalize as Jeff Mally made another interception.Gilad ran and passes to Sam and Pinchas set up a TD pass to Kobi to bring the score to DEC 25 - Klein 18 with a minute to play.Klein came up field with passes to Koppelman and Kleiner and as they were about to turn the ball over Gilad Silverman was called for taunting penalty giving Klein 15 yards and a first down in the red zone. DEC held on for 3 downs on fourth BenZaken found Kleiner on the edge of the end zone for a score. Klein was now down by one point and elected to go for the two point conversion to win the game . The pas was no good with great defense by Efrayim Prero to end the game Derech Etz Chaim 25 Klein Management 24.Highlights:

Thursday, February 04, 2010

The Motzei Shabbos Derech Etz Chaim takes on Klein Managment (Medrash Shmuel) in the Quarter Finals of the AFI Holyland Bowl playoffs. The two teams met earlier this year with DEC winning but Klein is much improved, having started the year 0-6 then winning their next 8 games to make it into the playoffs. Derech Etz Chaim is also much improved with Sam Ash and Jeffrey Mally back on the team though Levi Naiditch will most likely be missing. Medrash features a high powered passing attack and a number of players who know DEC well. The QB from Klein lost in the Semi Finals last year to DEC while playing for Maimo Magic and several other players were members of the Lobos team that lost to Derech Etz Chaim in last years Championship game.The winner of this weeks game will move on to face the winner of the Lobos vs. Tov Pizza game on the in the semi finals next week. Tune in Sunday to find out the results and to follow DEC as it looks to repeat as AFI champions.